The DEWI initiative offers RM3 billion in financing, training and facilities to support women-led MSMEs across Malaysia, aiming to create more business leaders.

PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development has allocated nearly RM3 billion this year under the Women Entrepreneurs Economic Fund (DEWI) to empower women business owners nationwide.

Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong launched the fund in conjunction with International Women’s Day 2026, describing it as a manifestation of the ministry’s determination to develop more “Iron Ladies” in the business world.

He stated that the allocation is specifically for women entrepreneurs to ensure they benefit from financing, training and various government-provided facilities.

The initiative is expected to benefit between 200,000 and 300,000 women entrepreneurs at various micro, small and medium enterprise levels throughout the country.

Sim explained that the initiative offers financing ranging from as low as RM1,000 up to RM3 million for women entrepreneurs and women-owned MSMEs.

Four agencies under KUSKOP will implement the DEWI initiative, namely Bank Rakyat, SME Bank, Tabung Ekonomi Kumpulan Usaha Niaga Nasional and Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia.

The minister noted that some programmes within the initiative are existing but are being adjusted to ensure more integrated implementation.

“We are bringing together several initiatives that were previously implemented separately by their respective agencies so that efforts and resources can be focused more effectively,” he said.

This consolidation aims to provide greater benefits to women entrepreneurs across the nation.

 The Sun Malaysia